Shape of Water is the story of Elisa, a mute woman, falling in love with a scaled creature who is being housed in a high security lab where she works as a cleaning lady. Upon meeting the creature, Elisa’s interest is piqued and she finds herself trying to see him again. With the creature’s future on the line, Elisa and her two friends, Zelda and Giles, work to save the creature from its fate decided by the US government.

This movie doesn’t tell just the story of a girl falling in love with a fish person, which is the criticism given by many who haven’t seen it. Shape of Water portrays the story of two broken people who are disregarded by society, and who find value in each other when no one else will.

Each of the main characters has their own trait that causes them to be thrown away by society. Elisa is mute, Zelda is black and Giles is gay. The story works to show how valuable and important each of these characters are. They all relate to the creature in some way because they have also been disregarded by society. I was expecting to be confused and disturbed by this story, but I found myself touched by the tenderness of their love story and of their friendships.

Shape of Water left me with so many questions. I found myself contemplating it and what it meant for hours afterward. It raises questions about the definition of humanity that are increasingly important in our society.

This movie was beautifully put together. The story was so endearing and touching. I would recommend this movie highly to everyone. I would give this movie a 4.5/5.